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    Meals » Recipes » Side Dishes

    How to Microwave a Sweet Potato

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see disclosure for more information. Published: Sep 21, 2021 by Dee

    Learn how to microwave a sweet potato that is perfectly cooked in minutes with this easy recipe. Makes a quick and healthy side dish that goes with just about any main dish or add your favorite toppings for a simple meal on it's own! via @meamel

    Learn how to microwave a sweet potato that is perfectly cooked in minutes with this easy recipe. Makes a quick and healthy side dish that goes with just about any main dish or add your favorite toppings for a simple meal on it's own!

    Jump to Recipe -
    microwave sweet potato cut open with pat of butter and parsley on plate
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Size Comparison
    • How to Cook Sweet Potatoes in the Microwave
    • Cooking Time
    • Variations
    • How to Store and Reheat
    • Recipe
    • Reviews

    You can cook a whole sweet potato in the microwave in a fraction of the time it takes to bake it in the oven!

    I have been making microwave sweet potatoes for years, and this is the absolute best way to cook this perfect side dish!

    The spuds turn out perfectly cooked every time. Best of all, they take just minutes to make, and you can cook 1 or 2 sweet potatoes in the microwave oven or more at a time.

    We also microwave baked potatoes, carrots, green beans, broccoli, asparagus and cauliflower.

    Ingredients

    You only need a few ingredients for this sweet potato recipe as well as a few kitchen items:

    • Sweet potatoes
    • Butter (optional)
    • Microwave safe plate
    • Fork
    • Kitchen brush
    • Hot mitts or kitchen tongs
    sweet potato size comparison  - 1 large sweet potato next to 1 small sweet potato uncooked

    Size Comparison

    When you shop for sweet potatoes in the grocery store, you probably notice they're different sizes. Around here, they seem to be either large or medium.

    The amount of time it takes to microwave sweet potatoes depends on the size of the potato. So, keep that in mind when shopping.

    Medium sweet potatoes are about 4 to 5 inches and around 4 to 5 ounces.

    Large sweet potatoes are about 6 to 8 inches and around 7 to 8 ounces.

    How to Cook Sweet Potatoes in the Microwave

    First, you need to wash the sweet potato under cold water. Use a kitchen brush if you have one to scrub any excess dirt off of the skins.

    If you don't have a brush, use a paper towel or kitchen towel.

    scrub raw sweet potato with brush under running water

    Pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel. Then, place them on a cutting board or flat surface.

    Use a fork to poke a bunch of small holes in the sweet potato. This lets steam escape from the sweet potato during the cooking process.

    I poke the potato a bunch of times--usually 4 times on each side. Make sure you get all of the sides so the potato cooks evenly!

    2 sweet potatoes with fork holes on a white plate

    Next, place the sweet potato on a microwave-safe plate. If you're cooking 2 or 3 sweet potatoes, arrange them on the edge of the plate so that they are not touching.

    It's not necessary to wrap the potatoes in a damp paper towel. I've never done this, and the spuds are always perfectly cooked.

    But, if you want to use a wet paper towel, go ahead.

    Cooking Time

    So how long to microwave a sweet potato? It depends upon how many you are cooking and the size of the sweet potato. The size and wattage of your microwave oven will also affect the cook time.

    Microwave 1 medium sweet potato for 5 minutes on high. (100 percent power) Use an oven mitt or tongs to turn over the potato, and microwave for additional 1 to 2 minutes or until fully cooked.

    Microwave 2 sweet potatoes for 5 minutes. Then, use an oven mitt or kitchen tongs to turn them over. Microwave them for an additional 2 to 4 minutes or until fully cooked.

    3 Medium sweet potatoes have a cook time of about 10 to 12 minutes.

    2 Large sweet potatoes take about 15 minutes to fully cook.

    3 Large sweet potatoes take about 20 minutes to fully cook.

    Keep in mind, the potato will continue to cook when you take it out. You can always add more time if you need to.The potato should be soft on all sides, and you should be able to easily pierce through it with a knife.

    2 baked sweet potatoes with butter and parsley on table

    Variations

    After cooking, slice the sweet potato in half. Now, add your favorite toppings!

    You can top your sweet potatoes with thin slices of butter or sour cream, as you would a regular baked potato.

    Or, for a sweeter flavor, top with brown sugar, maple syrup, marshmallows, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

    Make a sweet potato mash by scooping out the insides into a small bowl or large bowl if you are cooking a few. Or turn them into a sweet potato casserole!

    cut open sweet potatoes with marshmallows and butter

    How to Store and Reheat

    You can store your leftover sweet potatoes in an airtight container or freezer bag. They last for about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the microwave on a microwaveable plate.

    Scoop out the insides, place in a freezer safe container, and freeze for longer storage.

    How long to reheat for again depends on the size of your sweet potato.

    The short answer is: larger potatoes take more time to reheat, and small sweet potatoes take less time.

    Recipe

    microwave sweet potato cut open on a plate with melted butter

    How to Microwave a Sweet Potato

    Published by Dee
    Learn how to microwave a sweet potato that is perfectly cooked in minutes with this easy recipe. Makes a quick and healthy side dish that goes with just about any main dish or add your favorite toppings for a simple meal on it's own!
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Recipe Share by Email
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 6 mins
    Total Time 11 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 2
    Calories 97 kcal

    Equipment

    • microwave oven

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 medium sweet potato

    Instructions
     

    • Wash the sweet potato under cold running water, using a kitchen brush to scrub well
    • Pat dry with a paper towel. Place on cutting board or flat surface, and poke a bunch of holes on all sides of the sweet potato with a fork
    • Place sweet potato on microwave safe plate
    • Microwave for 5 minutes. Use an oven mitt or tongs to turn over and microwave for additional 1 to 2 minutes or until potato can be pierced easily through with a knife and is soft on all sides
    • Remove, and cover with aluminum foil and allow to rest for a minute or 2 before eating

    Notes

    Microwave 2 medium sweet potatoes for 5 minutes. Turn over, and cook an additional 3 to 5 minutes, until fully cooked.
    2 Large sweet potatoes take about 15 minutes to fully cook.
    3 Medium sweet potatoes take about 10 to 12 minutes.
    3 Large sweet potatoes take about 20 minutes to fully cook.

    Nutrition information is estimated. Please do your own calculation to fit special diets.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 97kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 2gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 62mgPotassium: 381mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 16031IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 34mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe? Please comment and rate it! Show me your dish on Instagram!Mention @meatloafandmelodrama or tag #meatloafandmelodrama!

    If you search baked sweet potato recipe microwave, you'll get so many different answers. This easy recipe has worked for me for years, and I hope it works for you!

    For more easy side dish recipes, quick snack recipes, and favorite sweet potato recipes, be sure to subscribe to the newsletter!

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    More Easy Sides Dishes

    • Mashed Potato Cakes (Potato Patties)
    • Easy Microwave Baked Potato
    • Cheesy Hot Bean Dip
    • Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. kara says

      October 01, 2021 at 7:59 am

      This is such a genius idea! I am so glad I tried this recipe! Did 2 potatoes and they came out perfect. Thanks for sharing!5 stars

      Reply
    2. Emma says

      September 30, 2021 at 1:03 am

      YUM!!! I love cooking sweet potato in the microwave. So delicious!!!5 stars

      Reply
    3. Sandra says

      September 27, 2021 at 4:34 pm

      This is so easy and turned out so good! Thanks for sharing!5 stars

      Reply
    4. Amanda says

      September 27, 2021 at 4:40 am

      This is the best way to cook a sweet potato! So delicious and so easy.5 stars

      Reply
    5. Bella says

      September 24, 2021 at 8:02 am

      I had to try this!! The potatoes were perfectly cooked in 8 minutes. Such a fantastic idea!5 stars

      Reply
    6. Mandy says

      September 23, 2021 at 4:05 pm

      I love sweet potatoes with so many meals, and this is the best way to cook them quickly!5 stars

      Reply
    7. Erik says

      September 23, 2021 at 3:20 pm

      Big fan of sweet potatoes, thanks for sharing these helpful tips!5 stars

      Reply

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    I’m the blogger, chief cook, recipe developer and photographer behind Meatloaf and Melodrama. I absolutely love to create easy, budget-friendly, homemade meals and treats for my family. I also love to think of new ways to repurpose leftovers so that my family will actually eat them!

    More about me →

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